Tomball officials accepted a check for $1 million tied to federal grant funding Feb. 17, which will be used for a new fire ladder truck.
Officials called the grant, with help from U.S. Rep. Wesley Hunt's office, timely help as the city plans for a new fire truck amid rising costs and years-long manufacturing backlogs.
“This is a small token of my appreciation for those that protect what matters most. That's our livelihood, our families, our children and our safety. And without you, we are nobody,” Hunt said.
What you need to know
City leaders said the city’s growth is increasing service demands while also putting pressure on budgets, making outside funding more urgent.
“Texas is growing, and it’s growing fast. We’re no different ... we have to provide what our city provides on a daily basis, and so that does put a strain on all of our taxpayers and to be good stewards of our funds, and make sure that we do that in a very thoughtful and conscientious way,” City Manager David Esquivel said. “We reach out to our resources, and the number one resource, and have been a big, big assistance to us, has been the congressman's office.”
Officials said replacing fire trucks is a major expense for a city of Tomball's size, and the grant support helps the city plan and budget earlier.
“An upfront cost, capital cost of replacing a truck like this is huge for a town like us ... to receive assistance in this manner ... it makes our life much easier when we start planning and having to budget our budgets on an annual basis,” Esquivel said.
Why it matters
Fire Chief Joe Sykora said the grant is tied to an order for a truck similar to the one currently in service. Syoka said delivery timelines have stretched dramatically—meaning cities often have to order years in advance.
“We will receive this one roughly in August of 2029. That’s how far behind our manufacturers are today after COVID,” Sykora said.
He also said the price tag has climbed sharply compared to a similar purchase several years ago. Sykora said the last time the same fire truck was purchased, it was $1.7 million, and today the same truck is now at $2.4 million.
Officials said securing grant dollars now helps Tomball lock in plans sooner as costs and delays continue, keeping the department equipped as the city grows.
